The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a discussion paper on improving accessibility, availability and affordability of essential medicines and basic health technologies for NCDs. WHO is seeking input from diverse stakeholders, in order to strengthen its technical assistance to Member States in efforts to meet the target of “80% availability of affordable basic technologies and essential medicines” for NCDs.

The Young Professionals Chronic Disease Network (YP-CDN) and The Lancet Youth Commission on Essential Medicines Policies (YCEMP) have jointly submitted a comment which reflects the global YP-CDN membership's and a broader community of young people's views and insights to the WHO for consideration as it finalizes its discussion paper.